Probiotics: The Healthy Bacteria
Did you know that cacteria and other tiny, microscopic creatures live in your intestines and on your skin? Yuck! Some bacteria can cause infections - but not all bacteria are bad! Some types, such as probiotics, actually improve your health by fighting off the "bad" bacteria that causes illness. These "good" bacteria have been benefitting human heath for centuries as an important ingredient in bread, wine, yogurt and cheese. Today, probiotics are available in supplements and skin care products.
Probiotics and skin health
Acne. Most dermatologists prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacterium that causes acne breakouts. Now, some dermatologists are studying probiotics as a way to treat acne with promising results.
They’ve found the following benefits:
- Oral probiotics decrease acne
- Probiotic creams decrease the redness from acne
- Oral probiotics decrease the side effects of antibiotic treatments
Eczema. Believe it or not, but research has shown babies born to pregnant women who took probiotics had a lower chance of developing eczema. Sadly, for babies who already have eczema, probiotics don't seem to decrease eczema symptoms. For adults with eczema, it's too early to tell whether probiotics will help eliminate symptoms.
Probiotics in anti-aging products
Many cosmetic companies now add probiotics to anti-aging creams and serums. As aging skin becomes thinner and loses moisture, it becomes more sensitive to your environment and loses its ability to protect itself from infection. It's been proven that probiotic creams guard the skin from those damaging bacteria by boosting the level of good bacteria on your skin.
How to add probiotics to your routine
Adding probiotics to your diet and skincare routine is easy. Here are some simple and delicious ways to get the benefit of good bacteria:
- Eat yogurt daily
- Drink probiotic milk or kefir
- Add pickles and sauerkraut to your meals
- Take daily supplements.
- Use probiotic-based skincare
Probiotics protect your body from harmful bacteria, and in doing so, may lessen the symptoms of certain skin conditions. Curious to know if probiotics can help relieve your sensitive skin issues? Try out these tips! Or, if you want to go the more formal route, visit your dermatologist.